UKEM Records- DISCIPLES OF EXTREMITY Vol.1

‘Disciples of Extremity Vol.1’ is the first release from the independent British record label United Kingdom Extreme Metal (UKEM) Records. This is a compilation CD featuring nineteen extreme metal bands which is due to be released on the first anniversary of the creation of the label and is the first of three compilations planned.

The first five tracks are definitely in the death metal category with each band adding its own unique take on the genre. The songs range from the more old-school, Morbid Angel-style growls, drums and guitar riffs demonstrated by Scordatura’s ‘Visceral Disembowelment’ to the deathcore infused Nexilva’s ‘Defile in The Flesh of Innocence’ and the thrashy death metal of Unfathomable Ruination. Foul Body Autopsy’s ‘Left to Rot’ caught my attention due to the skilfully executed thrash metal guitar solos combined with the standard death metal growls.

Dr. Aids marks a change in the style towards more punk influenced metal with a track that makes fun of Katie Price (a.k.a Jordan). Whilst the music itself is not too bad, the lyrics and persistent cries of “bitch”, “slut” along with other insults ruin the song for me. Luckily the next track by Revokation is predominantly death metal despite the occasional switch in vocals from growls to more At the Gates -style shrieks. I have my doubts on how successful this combination is. Gore Sanctum’s brutal death metal is not for the faint hearted, and based on just one track all I can say is that it’s very good but best enjoyed in small doses.

Northern Oak’s melodic intro is a surprise and probably the last thing I expected after several tracks of death metal. Oddly enough, this is also one of the highlights on here with its catchy folk tunes combined with an atmospheric feel and vocals that summon you to listen to their tale. This tranquil atmosphere is then shattered by the ferocity of Eastern Front’s fast paced black metal infused with death metal guitar riffs which makes it one of the best tracks on the compilation.

One of the biggest disappointments on here is Engorgement’s ‘Full Body Prolapse’ where the grindcore (or more accurately gorecore) vocals ruin what could have been a promising death metal track.

Winds of Genocide’s ‘The Arrival of Apokalyptic Armageddon’ features some good guitar riffs – I just wish that the lyrics didn’t sound so cheesy. Humanity Depraved’s ‘Defilement of Purity’ starts off well only to be ruined by the metalcore or should I say deathcore style vocals. Sanhedrin sounds far more promising with its symphonic black metal keyboards and great guitar solos which definitely make their song stand out for all the right reasons.

Bloodshot Dawn’s progressive take on death metal reminds me of current works by Decapitated which makes it an instant hit with the fans of this newly re-formed Polish death metal band. Oblivionized’s grindcore infused technical death metal offers an interesting change to the overall tone of the album, though it’s a bit too bizarre a mix for me to handle. After the previous cacophony, Maelstrom’s melodic take on black metal is a welcoming sound for sore ears and the memorable guitar solos cement its position as one of undisputed the highlights of the album. The final track by Laceration returns to the old school style of death metal which while being good offers little in terms of originality.

Overall this is a very good compilation by a promising independent record label. I would like to wish UKEM Records the very best of luck for the future!